The Dolphins' new staff is starting to come together.
The team announced they are bringing in veteran offensive assistant Al Saunders, last seen as a senior offensive assistant with the Oakland Raiders, to work with offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.
Ben Johnson, the team's assistant quarterbacks coach, is moving to the vacant tight ends spot left by new interim head coach Dan Campbell. Wide receivers coach Ken O'Keefe is also being reassigned as senior offensive assistant.
The biggest move is obviously one that has not been made. Despite Campbell's demands for a more physical front, and despite the fact that according to NFL Media's Albert Breer the Dolphins considered former Falcons head coach Mike Smith, former Lions coach Jim Schwartz and former Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano, defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle remains in charge of the unit. Though the situation is fluid, it's interesting that most of the changes have been made on the offensive side of the ball.
Bringing in Saunders is a good move if only because he has a strong relationship with Lazor and could provide a fresh perspective on the team's sputtering offense.
Like many have said all along, the talent is there. Could these moves make it work?
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told reporters this week that he still expects the Dolphins to make the playoffs and, outside of firing Joe Philbin, some major changes were still needed.
Outside of a new outlook for Coyle, Saunders may be it for now.
